Vision therapy shows promise for improving visual and eye movement skills in children with autism

Developmental, Individual-Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR)-guided vision therapy can significantly improve visual perceptual and oculomotor skills in children with autism, particularly in those with mild to moderate autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a study.

The prospective study included 42 children with ASD, 36 of whom completed 45 sessions of vision therapy. Researchers assessed participants before and after therapy using the Wachs Analysis of Cognitive Structures and the Northeastern State University College of Optometry Oculomotor test.

There were marked improvements in both visual perceptual skills and eye movement control after therapy. Children with mild to moderate ASD demonstrated greater gains than those with severe ASD. Age and gender did not influence outcomes.

According to the authors, these findings provide early evidence that DIR-guided vision therapy, especially when integrated with occupational and behavioral interventions, can enhance visual and oculomotor abilities in children with ASD. They emphasized, however, that larger randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm these results.

Reference
Chhetri S, Belbase U, Poudel M, et al. Outcomes of Vision Therapy on Visual Skills and Oculomotor Functions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Prospective Study. Clin Optom (Auckl). 2025;17:341-351. doi: 10.2147/OPTO.S551647. PMID: 41221430; PMCID: PMC12599212.